This set tackles the debates that nearly stopped the Constitution from passing. Multiple choice covers the Great Compromise that built a two-house Congress, the Anti-Federalists' demand for a Bill of Rights, how the Supremacy Clause settles a state-versus-federal law clash, and which branch carries out "establish justice." Fill-ins name John Jay as the third Federalist Papers author, the House of Representatives, reserved powers, and New Hampshire as the ninth state to ratify.

Working through these arguments shows you the Constitution was not handed down whole — it was negotiated, contested, and barely ratified.

Style:

Part A: Multiple Choice

Circle the best answer for each question.

1. At the Constitutional Convention, large and small states disagreed about representation. What was the Great Compromise?

A) Each state would have equal votes in both houses of Congress

B) Congress would have two houses — one based on population and one with equal votes per state

C) Only the largest five states would have representatives in Congress

D) The President would decide how many representatives each state would get

2. Anti-Federalists opposed ratifying the Constitution. What was their biggest concern?

A) The document was too short and did not cover enough topics

B) It created a central government that was too powerful and lacked a bill of rights

C) It gave too much power to state governments over the national government

D) They wanted a king instead of a President

3. A state passes a law that conflicts with a federal law. According to the Supremacy Clause, what happens?

A) The state law takes effect because states have more power

B) Both laws apply equally within that state

C) The federal law overrides the state law

D) The President must choose which law to follow

4. The Preamble lists "establish justice" as a goal. Which part of the government is MOST responsible for this goal?

A) The legislative branch by collecting taxes from citizens

B) The executive branch by signing trade agreements

C) The judicial branch by interpreting laws and hearing court cases

D) The military by protecting borders from invasion

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the correct answer on each line.

1. The Federalist Papers were written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay to support ratification.

2. The Great Compromise created two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

3. Anti-Federalists demanded a Bill of Rights before they would support the Constitution.

4. Under federalism, powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states.

5. The state of New Hampshire was the ninth to ratify the Constitution, making it official.

U.S. Constitution

Name: Date: Grade: Grade 5

★ Part A: Multiple Choice